Cloudbet’s bitcoin casino offers a fantastic range of popular live-dealer table games. In our “The Basics” series we revisit the casino classics, this time focusing on perhaps the most archetypal card game – Baccarat.
Baccarat undoubtedly has an air of Old World sophistication about it, conjuring up images of Monte Carlo and all the glamour and glitz of what casinos were in the halcyon days of years gone by. Famously, it is the preferred game of choice – and chance – of the inimitable 007. But through a long and storied history, it has reached the 21st Century and is consistently one of the highest-drawing card games – due in no small part to its ease of play and big-money bets. The Cloudbet bitcoin casino offers both live and table games so that you can start to explore the exhilarating experience yourself, in case Casino Royale seems just a little bit tricky to get to these days.
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Contents
How does Baccarat work?
Starting with the most important piece of information – the object of the game is to score a total of 9, with just two cards. Perhaps the next most important piece of information is to realise is that Baccarat is a game based purely on luck. Because of it’s simplicity, hands happen quickly too, which makes it enjoyable to play and time-effective when trying to grow your bankroll.
Numbered cards are worth their face value.
10s and Royal cards are worth 0.
Ace is worth 1.
Suits are irrelevant.
When your scoring total enters double-digits, the first digit is dropped – such that a 9 and 4 leaves you on 3, for example; as would a 6 and a 7. A 7 and an 8 leaves you on 5, while a pair of 5s would put you on 0.
The game is usually played with 8 decks in a shuffled shoe, the Banker dealing face down to the Player first, before themselves.
So far, so straightforward. Here’s where it get’s a little trickier… but there’s a bonus coming your way dear reader…
In a bid to get to 9 – or as close as possible – the Player draws a third card if their total lies between 0 and 5.
If your cards total 6 or 7, you must stick.
Should the Banker receive a value between 0 and 2, they have to take a third card.
If the Banker’s total is between 3 and 6, the decision to draw or not depends on the Player’s cards.
- Hit with a 4 against a Player total of 2 through 7
- Hit with a 5 against a Player total of 4 through 7
- Hit with a 6 against a Player total of 6 and a 7
If the Banker holds a total of 7, 8 or 9, they must stick.
The alluring appeal of high betting requirements, lack of tactical strategy and the fortune-based nature of Baccarat meant that it has continued to thrive.
And here’s something that makes playing Baccarat even more fun: That bonus we teased you about?
You don’t even have to remember these rules as the Banker will automatically take of whether to draw or not, deal you or not, and – on top of all that – keep track of any commissions owed to the house, gently removing them from your winning when you decide your time at the table is up.
The bets – Win, Lose or Tie
There are three possible outcomes to any hand, and participants in the game can bet on any of the outcomes, before the cards are dealt:
Player wins
If the Player wins, you are paid out at 1:1, or even money – although you owe the house a 5% commission. The house edge on this bet is 1.24%
Banker wins
If the Banker wins, you are paid out at 1:1, or even money – although you owe the house a 5% commission. The house edge on this bet is 1.06%
Should the Banker and Player tie their total scores, then neither bet wins or loses. However…
Tie
This bet has a much larger house edge of 14.36% and pays out 8:1 (in some casinos, this might be 9:1 – which drops the house edge down to a far more manageable 4.84%).
These are the basics to the game, and with them in mind you are now armed with enough information to start taking on the house.
Baccarat strategy
Baccarat, with its air of sophistication and fast-paced gameplay, is a casino favorite. While luck reigns supreme in this card game, many players wonder if any strategies can increase their chances of winning. Let’s explore some common Baccarat strategies, keeping in mind that none can guarantee a win:
1. Bet on the Banker
Statistically speaking, the Banker bet holds a slight edge over the Player bet. This is due to the Banker’s drawing rules, which are designed to be slightly more favorable for the house. However, it’s important to remember that winning Banker bets usually come with a 5% commission, slightly reducing your overall profit.
2. Avoid the Tie Bet
While the Tie bet offers a tempting payout, it also carries a significantly higher house edge compared to both the Player and Banker bets. Unless you’re feeling incredibly lucky, it’s generally advisable to avoid this bet and focus on the more statistically sound options.
3. Manage your bankroll
This rule applies to all casino games, and Baccarat is no exception. Before you even approach the Baccarat table, set a budget for yourself – and stick to it. Avoid the temptation to chase losses, and know when to walk away, whether you’re on a winning streak or facing a string of losses.
4. Pattern spotting (Use with caution)
Some Baccarat enthusiasts believe in pattern spotting – tracking the outcomes of previous hands to predict future results. While this strategy might add an element of excitement, it’s crucial to understand that there’s no mathematical basis for it. Past results in Baccarat do not guarantee future outcomes.
Baccarat is a game that thrives on chance. While these strategies can add structure to your gameplay and potentially minimize losses, remember that the house always has a slight advantage.
Play Baccarat at the Cloudbet casino
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FAQ about Baccarat
While it might seem like it, Baccarat isn’t a 50/50 game. The house still maintains a slight edge, meaning that over time, the casino is statistically more likely to win.
Baccarat is notoriously difficult to beat in the long run. As a game primarily driven by chance, there are no guaranteed winning strategies. While some players try to track trends or use betting systems, the house edge always remains.
Baccarat is known for having some of the best odds in the casino, particularly the Banker and Player bets. These bets boast a relatively low house edge compared to many other casino games. However, some bets in games like Craps might offer a slightly lower house edge.
Most casinos use 6 or 8 decks of standard playing cards in a Baccarat game. The cards are shuffled together and placed in a dealing shoe.
Baccarat is primarily a game of luck. The outcome of each hand is determined by the cards dealt, and there is no real skill involved in predicting which hand will win. The card draw determines the outcome, and there are no strategic decisions like in Blackjack.
Statistically, the Banker bet has the lowest house edge (around 1.06%). However, it’s important to note that winnings from the Banker bet are typically subject to a 5% commission.
Card counting in Baccarat is not as effective as in games like Blackjack. While it’s technically possible to keep track of cards, the large number of decks used and the way cards are dealt make it very difficult to gain a significant advantage.
Cloudbet is a reputable crypto casino that offers a wide variety of Baccarat games, including live dealer options. We accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether (USDT), in addition to 35+ other supported cryptocurrencies.
